A Hologram for the King Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A down-on-his-luck salesman goes to Saudi Arabia, gets a weird back cyst, and ends up skinny-dipping with his doctor while trying to sell holograms to a king who never shows up.

🍿 A Hologram for the King: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Alan’s Mission

Alan Clay, a struggling American sales representative, faces personal and professional crises. He travels to Saudi Arabia to sell a holographic teleconferencing system to the King, hoping to secure a lucrative deal and turn his life around. This mission is his last chance at redemption.

Culture Clash and Delays

Upon arriving in Saudi Arabia, Alan encounters numerous cultural differences and bureaucratic delays. He faces challenges like unreliable Wi-Fi, air conditioning issues, and constant postponements of meetings with the King’s representatives. These obstacles test his patience and resourcefulness.

Unexpected Connections

Amidst the professional challenges, Alan forms unexpected connections. He develops a friendship with his driver, Yousef, who helps him navigate the local culture. He also meets Dr. Zahra, a Saudi doctor who treats a growth on his back, leading to a cross-cultural romance.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Alan (Tom Hanks): A struggling American sales representative trying to secure a deal in Saudi Arabia to save his career.
• Yousef (Omar Elba): Alan’s resourceful and insightful Saudi driver who becomes a close friend and guide.
• Zahra (Sarita Choudhury): A Saudi doctor who treats Alan and develops a romantic connection with him.
• Dave (Ben Whishaw): A Hologram representation of an employee, that Alan uses in his presentation.
• Hanne (Sidse Babett Knudsen): A Danish contractor working in Saudi Arabia who is forward and interested in Alan.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Alan: “I’ve been feeling increasingly energized since the operation and I’ve already been able to transfer that energy to others successfully. The only catch is now I don’t have anything to blame my problems on.” – Alan reflects on his life changes and takes responsibility for his future.
• Zahra: “Even though it went a little harder than I expected, it was a simple extraction. Usually the discovery that you’re not dying of a malignant tumor leaves most people with their spirits high. But you are not most people, are you?” – Dr. Hakem observes Alan’s unique reaction to good news, highlighting his deeper issues.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $4,212,494
• Worldwide Gross: $9,169,507

💥 A Hologram for the King Reviews

Personal Review

I really wanted to like this more than I did. Seeing Tom Hanks in a fish-out-of-water story seemed promising, but it felt a bit flat. I enjoyed the scenes with his driver Yousef; they had great chemistry and provided some much-needed humor. The back cyst subplot was just weird, though. Overall, it was okay but not one I’d rush to watch again.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Tom Hanks”
  • “Viewers interested in cultural dramas”
  • “Those seeking a thought-provoking story about mid-life crises”
  • “People interested in films set in unique locations”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some language”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Alcohol use”

Professional Reviews

• IMDB: “Hanks is game, but even watching Tom Hanks becomes tiresome. His signature charm doesn’t show up until late in the film and by then it is too little too late. The supporting cast is solid, but not enough to adequately support Hanks.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “While visually appealing and boasting a strong performance from Hanks, the film ultimately feels disjointed, struggling to balance its comedic and dramatic elements effectively.
• Variety: “A smart and engaging film that explores themes of cultural dissonance and personal redemption with Hanks delivering a nuanced and compelling performance.

Audience Reactions

Tom Hanks’ performance made the movie watchable.: Viewers generally enjoyed the cultural exploration and Tom Hanks’ portrayal of a man out of his element.

The cinematography captured the beauty and mystery of Saudi Arabia.: Many praised the film’s visual appeal and exotic setting.

Overall Consensus: Mixed reviews, praised for Tom Hanks’ performance and visual appeal but criticized for its disjointed plot and pacing.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Filming took place primarily in Morocco, with only a few exterior shots captured in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.”
• “Director Tom Tykwer previously worked with Tom Hanks on ‘Cloud Atlas’.”
• “The film is based on the novel of the same name by Dave Eggers, which was a National Book Award finalist.”

🖥️ How to Watch A Hologram for the King?

A Hologram for the King is currently available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it on services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, where it’s available for rent or purchase. Availability may vary depending on your region, so check your local streaming providers for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) can be purchased from major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed A Hologram for the King, you might like these similar films:

• Lost in Translation (2003): Shares the theme of cultural disconnect and finding unexpected connections in a foreign land.
• Rock the Kasbah (2015): Involves an American dealing with unfamiliar customs and challenges while trying to succeed in a Middle Eastern setting.

🛒 A Hologram for the King Related Products

• A Hologram for the King [Blu-ray]: Own the physical copy of the movie in high definition for crisp visuals and immersive home entertainment.
• A Hologram for the King (Movie Tie-in Edition): Delve into the deeper narrative and insights from the original novel by Dave Eggers that inspired the film, featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
• Talking Heads – Speaking in Tongues (Vinyl): Relive the iconic Talking Heads song featured in the film’s opening scene on vinyl, adding a nostalgic musical element to your collection.
• Tom Hanks Movie Collection [DVD]: Get hours of entertainment with some of Tom Hanks best movies

🎧 Soundtrack

A Hologram for the King features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Once In A Lifetime” – performed by Talking Heads
• “Main Title” – performed by Johnny Klimek, Tom Tykwer

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

A Hologram For The King reviewed by Mark Kermode

Want to know if ‘A Hologram For The King’ is worth your time? Mark Kermode gives a detailed review, and honestly, his insights are always spot-on. See if you agree with his take!

✨ Rate